However, if I could persuade one confused soul to
turn to God, I will not only “save his soul from death, [but] shall cover a
multitude of [my] sins” as well. James 5:20.
I wish I knew exactly how I could go about doing
that. Yes, I know I should live the Gospel and not preach it. I know that if I
change my heart and live accordingly, others will see it. I know all that. Yet,
I wish my small life would be enough. I fail far more than I succeed.
Then, I recall a few kind acts that made a big
impact on the lives of the recipients. They seemed small to me and I was surprised
at the impact they had. I wish I could do more.
I wish for a closer union with God. I wish he were
the center of all my thoughts and actions. I wish it wasn’t a struggle to go to
church. I wish I had tons of money to add to the collection. I wish I felt like
volunteering more. I wish I could simply make more of a difference.
I can wish all I want, and nothing will change. Only
through practice and prayer will I tighten my relationship with God. It might
not make much difference in the lives of others, but it would definitely change
mine. That would be a start, a beginning. Who knows where it might lead?
A meditation in, Good Morning Lord, by Joseph T. Sullivan reminded me I am not too
old to pursue my dreams and share my talents. I will have to make the necessary
effort to hone my skills through study and practice. Even so, I may not become
the next Rembrandt, Hemingway, or Steinbeck, but my small efforts can help
color the world with beauty. Maybe even add a touch of magic, an opening for
the divine to plant a seed, to change a heart, and maybe even change a life.
That I can definitely wish for.
True--I agree we can't do everything, but we can use the passions, talents, and experiences God has gifted us with, to make the best me that God created. Thanks for the encouraging thoughts!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. It is our duty to use those talents, and you have been blessed with the talent of story telling. Who doesn't love a well told story? And in it you plant His seeds of faith, aiding in His work. Who knows how many lives you've touched?
Delete